iPhone Foldable Display Rumors: Flexible Batteries Raise Stakes Of Foldable Apple Devices

It wasn't too long ago when suggestions of a foldable iPhone could come out by 2021. Most competitors like rival company Samsung have started offering phones with foldable displays and Apple is likely to follow soon. And based on recent developments, it seems the Cupertino company is headed towards that.

Each time Apple files a patent, it means something. And the most recent one has been linked not only to possible foldable iPhones but iPads too. In a spotted patent, it appears Apple is working on a flexible battery structure that most are now tying up to likely help power foldable displays. Beyond that, it is also seen as something to address current recurring problems on the company's devices.

Some may ask why batteries are singled out as the culprit. As stated in US Patent no. 10,637,017, the battery takes up a large amount of space in an effort to fulfill the power requirements that a device needs. Also, batteries account for why some devices cannot be bent easily. To resolve that, Apple is suggesting some battery cells that can be separated and placed in discrete regions.

If one thinks of it, when battery cells are spread evenly then flexibility is achieved. Aside from that, there is a chance that the phone could be lighter to hold. But the best part of it all is that an iPhone or an iPad could eventually accommodate flexible displays without compromising other components. The patent is credited to exclusively Jiang Ai, who is also listed on the team responsible for a previous patent concerning a folding iPhone display with a more robust bend radius, Apple Insider reported.

As mentioned in a previous post, little has been said about the possible coming of iPhones or iPads with flexible displays. Samsung was able to do it but it did come at a price. The Samsung Galaxy Fold did come out but cost a hefty $1,000. A successor is being planned but other components (camera) will take a hit. It will reportedly be priced lower at $1,899.

Speaking about pricing, if and when Apple does come up with a device with a foldable display would likely carry a hefty price tag. Most know how current iPhones and iPads are priced steep so new technology may take that a notch higher. Pricing will also play a part on a flexible iPhone or iPad but that is still a long way off.